Yash Rathod (PTI file photo)
Yash Rathod and Shams Mulani batted for more than 36 overs in a crucial eighth-wicket partnership as India A held on for a thrilling draw against Australia A on the fourth day of the second and final four-day match in Puducherry on Friday. India A won the two-match series 1-0 after recording a 162-run victory in the opening game. Rathod, who scored 80 off 138 balls, and Mulani, who made 29 off 131 balls, put together an 80-run stand that lasted a little over 36 overs. They faced 16 overs of the second new ball during their partnership and kept India A in the contest. The night watchman scored 52 off 119 balls and helped keep Australia A from taking control of the game. Deshpande added 60 runs for the third wicket with captain Devdutt Padikkal, who scored 26, as India A reached 99/2 at lunch. They added 71 runs in the morning session for the loss of overnight batter Aayush Pandey, who made 19.
Sam Harper was named Player of the Match, while Shams Mulani was adjudged Player of the Series.